The winter safety lectures are aimed at both beginners and experienced mountain-goers

Scotland’s mountaineering experts are offering a series of events that could, they said, save your life.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland is staging its annual winter safety lectures at two popular venues, along with five further evenings at Tiso stores across Scotland.

This season’s lectures will take place at the Clachaig Inn at Glencoe, the Mountain Cafe in Aviemore and at Tiso’s shops in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Perth and Inverness.

The aim of the lectures is both to entertain and educate, and the main theme is skills for the mountains in winter.

MCofS mountain safety adviser Heather Morning said: “The MCofS winter safety lectures have something to offer everyone who enjoys the Scottish mountains in winter.

“Whether you are a seasoned mountaineer or heading to the mountains for the first time, you are guaranteed to pick up some useful top tips from the experts.”

The council’s chief officer David Gibson said: “Winter mountains have much to offer in terms of physical challenge, superb views and memorable experiences.

“However, the margin for error is much less than at other times of the year due to the weather, conditions underfoot and limited daylight hours. These lectures could save lives by enabling you to learn from others’ experience and gain an understanding of the skills and equipment you need to be more self-reliant.”

The season kicks off with an Aviemore event on 28 December and continues to the end of February. Speakers include Ms Morning, mountain rescue authority Dave ‘Heavy’ Whalley, Adele Pennington, Simon Steer, Di Gilbert, Daz Streatham, Tamsin Gay, Mark Chadwick, Richard Bentley and Davy Gunn.

More details can be obtained on the MCofS website or by contacting Heather Morning on 01479 861 241 or by emailing her.